The official continues to assume the role of being in charge of the overall environment; however, the
safety person takes over with respect to executing the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and in making decisions
around the injured player.

In a situation where a player is injured on the ice, the following are the responsibilities of the game
officials:

Once the injured player’s team takes possession of the puck, the referee blows down the play. If the
injury is deemed serious by the referee, he/she may blow down the play immediately.

Once play has stopped, the referee should signal the safety person on to the ice. If possible, a linesman
should help the safety person to the injured player. It is recommended that the officials pre-determine as a
group who will give this assistance in the case of an injury. If the officials are otherwise occupied, the
safety person can leave the bench immediately once the play is blown down if they feel the injury is
serious.

As the safety person assesses the player’s condition, officials should ask both teams to go to their
benches and the officials should remain on the ice and in control of both teams.

If an official is a professional medical person or has first aid training, they should advise the safety
person of this and remain close to the safety person in case they ask for assistance.

If the safety person requests assistance from someone in the stands the officials should allow this
person on to the ice surface, assisting them to the injured player and the safety person.

Once the safety person has determined the player can be removed from the ice, the official should allow
the safety person to take the lead in removing the player safely.

If the safety person deems necessary and requests an ambulance, they will signal to the call person in
the stands. The call person has been trained to come to the ice surface and out to the safety person to
receive information on the injury. The official should assist the call person on and off the ice.

Once the ambulance is called, the officials should send both teams to their dressing rooms. The officials
can also work to assist the safety person as required once both teams are in their rooms.

If the parents of the injured player come to the ice surface, the officials should use common sense. For
example, if the player is very young it may be beneficial to have one parent come out to the player to
comfort them until the ambulance arrives.

Once the ambulance arrives, the paramedics take control of the situation and the official should stand by
to assist in any way possible.